Rollyo

Although I find Rollyo to be a unique site with the potential for helping people in research, I was not overly impressed by it. I found it somewhat dull and not so useful for my purposes. With teaching as my primary job, I do a good amount of research when I am working on units, looking for lesson ideas, etc. I, however, find that Google offers me a lot of useful sites, and I like that it offers me sites I am not always familiar with. To use Rollyo, you must already know the sites that you put into your roll. I did create a reference-related roll that may be useful when I need information while planning lessons, but I have my doubts that I will use it much...if at all.

Library Thing

Library Thing is a great resource! What a fun way to keep track of what you've already read, as well as what you would like to read. I love that you can read and offer reviews of books. I also like how easy it is to search using the author's name to find books that you may not know that person has out. It has so many great features, such as recommending books to people and setting up groups, that can open you up to new and fascinating books...and the people who enjoy them. And it's so easy to use! This is great!

Avatar

This is the avatar I created for myself. Short brown hair, green eyes, nice outfit, happy, hanging out at home. It's me! I thought this was not only fun, but also a great way to express yourself to others via your blog, as well as the many other places in which avatars are used. Fun and a little educational...what could be better than that?!

MERLIN

I found Merlin to be an interesting and effective site for doing searches and sharing information within the library systems. I think it's great that there are places to go online that provide such focused and detailed information that can launch new and innovative programs in our libraries. Too often, the library is deemed old and outdated; with these programs and applications available, perhaps the library can establish a new reputation of being fresh and in touch with the 21st century. Now librarians can brainstorm together and help each other grow.

Bloglines

The following is my blogline URL: http://www.bloglines.com/public/kelly

I find bloglines quite useful because they give you access to a lot of information in a short amount of time. It takes only minutes to learn how to use this service, and I'm sure there are many features of which I am yet unaware. I'm sure this could be useful in aspects of my teaching career, especially when I am teaching non-fiction because I will have quick access to current news stories that I can use in the classroom. It also provides a way for me to keep up on my interests without having to read through a lot of pop-up ads, spam, etc. I never knew this existed on the web, and I'm sure it will only improve as time goes on. The one drawback is that not all sites have RSS capability; however, I am sure that, as this becomes more popular, more and more sites will offer this feature.

Technology

Technology is great - I find it especially helpful for teaching. Now that I know a little more about some of the programs out there, such as Flickr, I have more tools readily available to help me plan lessons and activities that will hopefully be more intriguing for the students...especially since they range in age from 12-14 years old. Technology is their life!

I found the Flickr site where you could make calendars, magazine covers, CD jackets, etc. to be interesting, entertaining, and useful. It's fun to play with this, especially using your own pictures. It could also be used for unique gifts, projects in my classroom, library programs, etc. I decided to create a magazine cover using a picture of my cousin's three daughters - Katilyn, Megan, and Sarah. These are my girls! How can you not love that little face in the middle?!